Boy Rafli: 81st Indonesian Independence Day a moment to reflect on heroes' struggle

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chairman of the SMA Negeri 37 Jakarta Alumni Association (IKASMAN 37), retired Police Commissioner General Boy Rafli Amar, said the commemoration of the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence could serve as a momentum to reflect once again on the struggle of the heroes in liberating the nation from colonialism.

Boy, in a statement received in Jakarta, assessed that the independence commemoration needs to continue to be interpreted as a reminder of the Indonesian nation’s journey in freeing itself from colonialism and occupation.

“What we must not forget is that we are carrying out a very important independence day celebration. Independence Day is the day of the liberation of the Indonesian nation from colonialism and occupation,” Boy said while launching the ‘Touring Kemerdekaan RI’ activity organised by IKASMAN 37 heading to the Cisarua area, Bogor Regency, West Java, on Saturday.

The former head of the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) said independence also carries aspirations for the creation of a better and more prosperous life for the Indonesian people.

“As an expression of gratitude, today we express it with a joint touring activity. Hopefully this activity becomes part of efforts to remember the struggle of our ancestors in the past, when they carried out activities from one place to another in facing the difficult times of colonialism,” he said.

The IKASMAN 37 group departed for Cisarua, West Java, with a stopping point specially chosen at kilometre (KM) 81.

Boy said the choice of that number was deliberately adjusted to the commemoration of 81 years of Indonesian independence.

“The stopping point is at kilometre 81 and this is related to Independence Day. There is a place there that we have indeed prepared to gather together and of course there will be other events later,” Boy said.

However, 2026 marks the first time the touring activity has been specifically linked to the commemoration of the Republic of Indonesia’s Independence Day.

“The touring activity has been held several times. It is just that linking it to the independence of the Republic of Indonesia is the first time. Our touring so far has been held approximately five to six times collectively, organised by IKASMAN 37,” he said.

Meanwhile, IKASMAN 37 member and political observer Hendri Satrio said joint activities such as touring are important for maintaining bonds among fellow alumni.

According to Hensa, his familiar nickname, the spirit built by IKASMAN 37 is also expected to inspire other school alumni associations to help enliven the atmosphere of the independence commemoration.

“The most important thing is togetherness. IKASMAN 37 also wants other high school alumni associations to be able to emulate what we are doing so that the fervour of our independence is truly felt to the bone,” Hensa said.

He expressed hope that the happiness in celebrating independence can be felt by the public while still remembering that independence was born from the long struggle of the heroes.

Boy added that reflection on the struggle of predecessors is one of the main messages to be conveyed in the activity.

“The struggle carried out by the heroes in difficult times, that is the essence,” he said.